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Placement Tips IV: GD Dos And Don'ts

Woah, where are you running off to?

Ah, the group discussion is today, eh?

Your tie is crooked and your hair is more Elvis than Steve Jobs. Ha, I’m just kidding.

Wish you luck? No way, Sonny. I’m going to do you one better than that.

Now, you’ve prepped for your GD, you did the mocks and you’re also familiar with the different formats, there is one more bit you need to know before you’re ready to rock the show.

Ok, don’t panic. This won’t take long. Now huddle up and listen.


A group discussion, as I mentioned the last time you read, is to engage with a group to discuss an issue. It is very important then to understand that engagement is a (somewhat) balanced equation of listening and making a point. The discussion has to evolve right from the very first opinion and move in a forward direction to a conclusion. For this to happen, the participants (which is you and the fellow applicants) need to keep room to take in everyone’s word. 


Wow, that was kind of heavy. Here’s the easier part. I’ll list a few dos and don’ts so you know how to keep your wild side out of the group discussion. Attention, please!

Your very first mark in a group discussion is how you conduct yourself. Right from how crisply ironed your shirt is to not slouching on the chair, everything says a lot about you, and the recruiters are noticing. To start with, make sure you dress neatly: ironed shirt and trousers, a well-knotted tie, hair gelled back (or in accordance with the wind) and shoes that are muck-free.


As for the body posture, stand tall and straight. Don’t haul up your chin, that’s too proud. Always keep your hands either in your pockets or at the back. Don’t fold your hands, that isn’t very respectful and don’t be awkwardly poised like a toy soldier. Also, when you’re seated, don’t cross your legs or stretch them far out. Keep a soft smile at all times and relax, you don’t need to be so stiff. 


Now, coming to the real deal, it is important to maintain your stature throughout the group discussion. If you’re the one to start, don’t jump to the point straight. Take a few seconds to welcome everyone seated and introduce the topic, then make your point. Also, don’t use this opportunity to blabber everything you know. When the time is right, you can make another point again. 


Secondly, don’t be Arnab. No one likes to be imposed with an opinion. No screaming, shouting, pointing fingers or turning faces like it’s an Ekta Kapoor serial. Speak in a moderately pitched, smoothly toned voice, like Shashi Tharoor. 


It is important to make your point clearly. Pro-tip: Before you make your point, map it in your head. It is always good to know what you’re saying before you say it out loud. Remember that you don’t have to keep emphasizing on your point. So make it impactful by using the right words and leave it at that statement. Don’t go into the depths of explaining everything you just said. No one likes a know-it-all or blabbermouth, so keep it crisp and give everyone a chance to say something. 


And lastly, remember to listen. A great point said at the wrong time will not leave a mark. Plus if you have no idea of what the topic is, listening to what others have to say will take you a long way forward. To end this thought, don’t mistake a GD with an argument, be civilized and cordial.

Now, if you need some expert insight, here’s a quick video by Deepali Nair


To read the Placement Tip III: Types Of Group Discussion, click here.


Watch this space for more information every week on placement tips and you can also check out more informative and fun articles in the community section.


  

Sarika Nerurkar
Photographer | Writer If I'm not at my table I'm either chatting up over fizzy drinks or climbing in the Himalayas.

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